JAPSPER, our open-source project for "Just Another Spectrometer," is all about making scientific instruments more accessible, repairable, and affordable. We've been working on a range of modules, and we're excited to share our latest mechanical design for a temperature-controlled laser mount using four Peltier elements.

Why Four Peltiers?

Most commercial or DIY designs rely on a single Peltier element, or maybe two, to cool the laser diode. This can lead to uneven cooling, which can affect the laser's performance and stability. To ensure uniform cooling and better thermal management, we've designed a mount with four smaller Peltier elements arranged to "engulf" the laser diode. This innovative design allows us to maintain a more consistent and stable temperature across the entire laser housing.

The mount is highly adaptable and features a laser adapter that can accommodate both 3.8mm and 5.6mm diameter laser diodes, making it a versatile solution for a variety of projects. We've also included two DB9 connectors—one for the laser driver and one for the TEC (Thermo-Electric Cooler) driver—to simplify the wiring and integration process.

We Need Your Expertise!

Now that the mechanical design is complete, we're moving on to the control systems. We're looking for feedback from the Hackaday community, especially from those with expertise in thermodynamics and control systems. We want to ensure that our control loop design will effectively manage the four Peltier elements to provide the precise and uniform cooling needed for high-performance spectroscopy.

What's your take on a four-Peltier design? Do you have any suggestions for the control system? We're eager to hear your thoughts and suggestions to help us refine this crucial component of JAPSPER!